Alike–Yet Very Different!

Introvert or extrovert, which are you? At our September LIFT event we explored this question. We also talked about differences in personality types and behavior tendencies. It was interesting and delightful to observe and learn from women of different personality types as they shared with the group. The conclusion for the day: We are alike in many ways! And different in many ways! And God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us.

Fearfully and wonderfully made, we were carefully knit together in our mother’s womb by the hand of a loving God. (See Psalm 139) With delicate precision He crafted each one of us, giving us the characteristics He knew we would need to accomplish the purposes He had in mind for us long before we were born.

Our precious six-month-old twin granddaughters bring this lesson home to me even more. Crowded together into one womb, still God lovingly designed and created each one with her own look and very distinct little personality. One quiet, one boisterous; one dark-haired, one with soft blond fuzz; one patient, one not so much; one more solid, one delicate. Both with ready smiles and kisses and snuggles.

My prayer for these little ones is for them to grow up celebrating their differences and also the traits they share. To recognize God’s plan and purpose for them and to step into it with joy and confidence.

I pray the same for you.

One of the most life-changing and freeing exercises I’ve experienced in my life has been to discover and acknowledge my own personality type and tendencies. It has been life-changing to recognize that some of what I considered faults are really God’s gift of provision and preparation for the work He has for me to do.

And freedom comes through accepting and embracing the plans of Almighty God, expressed with infinite love and careful craftsmanship in each individual.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ’Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

Have you taken the time to explore your own personality yet? And then looked through that lens at the work God intentionally prepared you to do? As you do I pray God will open your heart and mind to your own unique and wonderful possibilities.

You, my friend, are beautiful inside and out–carefully designed and created by our gracious God, whose great love for you is far beyond comprehension.

What will you do with your unique God-given beauty?

Many blessings,

Deborah

P.S. Until we can learn to love our own uniqueness it’s difficult to see the differences in others as beautiful. We might even consider them faults or annoyances. It’s not necessary to become personality experts, but awareness goes a long way toward understanding.

Along those lines, join us November 6 as we explore the subjects of conflict, godly resolution, and team building.